MLR Preview – Rugby ATL vs Toronto Arrows

It’s ‘Superhero Day’ at Lupo Family Field and Rugby ATL will need a commensurate effort to topple the unbeaten Toronto Arrows on Sunday afternoon. ATL suffered their first defeat last weekend to Rugby United New York and the Arrows are another step up, their most recent effort a dominant road win over the defending champion Seattle Seawolves.

Scott Lawrence has made eight changes to his starting lineup, five in the pack. Jamie Ferrante comes in for Chance Wenglewski at loosehead prop with Johan Momsen taking the place of Conor Keys at lock.

It’s all change in the back row with Marno Redelinghuys, Matt Heaton, and Ross Deacon recalled and Vili Helu providing cover on the bench. Neethling Gericke is set to make his Major League Rugby debut as reserve hooker for Alex Maughan.

There are three personnel changes and one positional switch in the backs. The Harleys – Wheeler and Davidson – return on the wings with Jeremy Misailegalu swapping in for Sean Coughlan at outside center. Zander van Schalkwyk moves from wing to fullback as Rory van Vugt gets the week off.

Toronto have made just two changes to their run-on side. Steven Ng and Peter Milazzo get their first starts of the season, swapping shirts with Andrew Quattrin and Lucas Rumball respectively. International prop Rob Brouwer makes his seasonal bow on the bench in place of Tyler Rowland.

The backline is identical to the one that started against Seattle with the only alterations among the replacements. Mitch Richardson and Gastón Mieres take over from Will Kelly and Johnny Sheridan.

ATL’s defense wasn’t quite as sharp against RUNY but with a near first-choice named there should be a spring in their step. The Arrows attack looked a well-oiled machine against the Seawolves with Sam Malcolm punishing any breakdowns of discipline. This is Toronto’s game to lose but an inspired ATL could make things interesting.

Kickoff is set for 3pm local, noon Pacific. A local broadcast will be available on WATL with ESPN+ carrying the game nationwide. TSN Direct will air the game for Canadian viewers. Those located elsewhere can watch the live stream on the official MLR Facebook page.

RUGBY ATL
1 Jamie Ferrante, 2 Alex Maughan, 3 Cronan Gleeson, 4 Johan Momsen, 5 Stefan Willemse, 6 Marno Redelinghuys, 7 Matt Heaton (co-capt.), 8 Ross Deacon, 9 Duncan van Schalkwyk, 10 Kurt Coleman, 11 Harley Wheeler, 12 Ryan Nell (co-capt.), 13 Jeremy Misailegalu, 14 Harley Davidson, 15 Zander van Schalkwyk

Replacements: 16 Neethling Gericke, 17 Chance Wenglewski, 18 Julian Montes, 19 Conor Keys, 20 Vili Helu, 21 Kurtis Werner, 22 Martini Talapusi, 23 Sean Coughlan

TORONTO ARROWS
1 Richie Asiata, 2 Steven Ng, 3 Cole Keith, 4 Kolby Francis, 5 Paul Ciulini, 6 Tomás de la Vega, 7 Peter Milazzo, 8 Manuel Diana, 9 Andrew Ferguson, 10 Tayler Adams, 11 Leandro Leivas, 12 Guiseppe du Toit, 13 Ben LeSage, 14 Dan Moor (capt.), 15 Sam Malcolm

Replacements: 16 Andrew Quattrin, 17 Rob Brouwer, 18 Pat Lynott, 19 Tom van Horne, 20 Lucas Rumball, 21 Riley DiNardo, 22 Mitch Richardson, 23 Gastón Mieres

Date: Sunday, March 1
Venue: Lupo Family Field, Marietta
Kickoff: 15:00 local (12:00 Pacific)
Referee: Luke Rogan (USA)
Assistants: Lex Weiner (USA) & Joe Burpoe (USA)
Broadcasts: ESPN+, Facebook, TSN Direct, WATL